November 27, 2024

A groundbreaking study from Tulane University has revealed that an experimental cancer drug may hold the key to clearing HIV from infected cells in the brain. This discovery, published in the journal Brain, marks a significant step forward in the fight against HIV and its associated neurological complications. 

Key Findings 

Researchers at the Tulane National Primate Research Center found that a cancer drug significantly reduced levels of SIV (the nonhuman primate equivalent of HIV) in the brain. The drug works by targeting and depleting specific immune cells that harbor the virus. 

Dr. Woong-Ki Kim, lead author and associate director for research at the center, emphasized the importance of this research in addressing brain-related issues caused by HIV, which persist even in patients on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). 

Why This Matters 

While ART has transformed HIV from a terminal illness to a manageable condition, it doesn’t completely eradicate the virus. HIV persists in “viral reservoirs” in the brain, liver, and lymph nodes, where current treatments struggle to reach. The brain, protected by the blood-brain barrier, has been particularly challenging to treat. 

The Study 

The research team used a small molecule inhibitor called BLZ945 to block a receptor that increases HIV-infected macrophages in the brain. This approach successfully reduced the viral load, essentially clearing the virus from brain tissue. The study involved three groups of subjects, including an untreated control group and two groups treated with different doses of BLZ945. The high-dose treatment led to a 95-99% decrease in viral DNA loads in the brain. 

Looking Ahead 

The next step for researchers is to test this therapy in combination with ART, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive strategies to eradicate HIV from the body entirely. This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, offers new hope for improving the quality of life for those living with HIV-related neurocognitive problems. As we continue to make strides in HIV treatment, this Tulane study represents a promising step towards tackling one of the most persistent challenges in HIV care – clearing the virus from its hard-to-reach reservoirs in the brain. 

November 13, 2024

In a study conducted at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, researchers have discovered a potential new use for the COVID-19 vaccine: treating high blood sugar levels in individuals suffering from Long COVID. This research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine could be administered therapeutically to address metabolic complications experienced by long-haulers, even when given several days after the initial infection. 

The study found that administering the vaccine four days post-infection resulted in significant and sustained improvements in blood sugar levels. This finding indicates that the vaccine may not only serve as a preventive measure but also as a viable treatment option for managing long-term metabolic issues associated with COVID-19.  

Researchers identified specific inflammatory molecules in the bloodstream that are linked to elevated blood sugar levels, revealing that high blood sugar may stem from changes in how the liver stores glucose, even after the virus is no longer present in the liver and pancreas. 

These insights have important implications for individuals suffering from Long COVID, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to metabolic dysfunction, such as chronic fatigue. Dr. Clovis Palmer, one of the lead authors of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings in exploring new strategies to assist long-haulers. Dr. Jay Rappaport, director of the Tulane National Primate Research Center, also noted that the study advances our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of innovative research in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. 

Supported by the National Institutes of Health, this research marks a significant step forward in developing effective treatments for the lingering health issues associated with COVID-19, offering hope to those affected by Long COVID. 

July 24, 2024

In a significant stride toward protecting mothers and their babies, researchers at Tulane University have unveiled groundbreaking findings: mothers with prior exposure to Cytomegalovirus are far less likely to transmit it to their baby, a virus known to cause miscarriages and birth defects. This discovery paves the way for the development of a potential vaccine to safeguard pregnant women and their babies. 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a prevalent herpesvirus often contracted unknowingly before childbearing age, typically poses no threat. However, during pregnancy, transmission to the developing fetus can lead to miscarriage, cerebral palsy, and hearing loss. 

While it has long been understood that women facing their first CMV infection during pregnancy are at heightened risk, the protective mechanisms for those previously exposed to the virus remained elusive. 

The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, conducted at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, utilized a nonhuman primate model closely mirroring human CMV infection. Researchers found that when pregnant mothers were initially infected with CMV during the first trimester, transmission to offspring occurred in all cases, resulting in a high rate of miscarriage. 

However, when nonhuman primates with prior CMV exposure were reinfected during pregnancy, their offspring were shielded. A robust immune response in mothers upon reinfection drastically reduced transmission through the placenta, with only one out of five mothers passing the virus to their infants, and no adverse health outcomes observed in any of the offspring. 

Dr. Amitinder Kaur, principal investigator and professor of microbiology and immunology, emphasizes the importance of understanding pre-existing immunity in preventing CMV transmission during pregnancy. This knowledge, she says, is pivotal for the development of an effective CMV vaccine, essential for safeguarding pregnant women and their unborn babies. 

The study’s findings underscore the significance of CMV immunity before pregnancy, as it enables the maternal immune system to shield the baby from congenital CMV transmission if reinfection occurs during gestation. This research holds immense promise for the development of a CMV vaccine, particularly vital in regions with a high prevalence of CMV infections among pregnant women. 

July 10, 2024

Lyme disease, transmitted through tick bites, can leave patients with persistent neurological symptoms even after antibiotic treatment. However, a recent study conducted by Tulane University researchers offers hope to those suffering from long-term effects of the bacterial infection. 

Key Findings 

The study, published in Frontiers in Immunology, identifies fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors as a promising new approach to treating lingering neurological symptoms associated with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. These inhibitors  reduced inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. 

Research Approach 

Principal investigator Geetha Parthasarathy, PhD, led the study, treating nerve tissue with live or inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi followed by FGFR inhibitors. Results demonstrated a notable reduction in inflammatory markers and cell death, suggesting the potential efficacy of targeting FGFR pathways in addressing persistent neuroinflammation. 

Implications and Future Directions 

While further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical treatments, the study represents a significant advancement in understanding and potentially managing post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. By focusing on underlying inflammation, researchers aim to develop treatments that improve the quality of life for patients affected by this debilitating condition. 

Supported by funding from the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and resources from the Tulane National Primate Research Center, this study opens new avenues for research and treatment development, offering renewed hope to Lyme disease patients grappling with lasting symptoms. 

April 17, 2024

National Primate Research Centers Prioritize Openness for Scientific Progress

At the forefront of biomedical and behavioral research are the seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs). They form a vital network dedicated to conducting and enabling groundbreaking research to improve human and animal health. Studies at the centers include development & aging, genetics & genomics, infectious disease, neuroscience & brain disorders, and reproduction & endocrinology. The NPRCs have been instrumental in driving discoveries crucial for overcoming health challenges and in helping the public understand the significance of research that involves animals.   

   

A Comprehensive Approach  

A priority of the NPRCs is to share information via local, regional and national outreach. Through a multifaceted approach, the NPRCs foster education and dialogue, ensuring openness about their research and the expert care of animals involved in NPRC research studies.   

   

From participating in local events to leveraging digital platforms, the NPRCs employ diverse strategies to make connections. NPRC.org provides the latest information for the public, and NPRCresearch.org, which is undergoing updates, ensures the scientific community has comprehensive information about the resources the NPRCs offer NIH-funded researchers. Through timely and engaging content, the NPRCs strive to explain the highly regulated research process and showcase their contributions to scientific progress.   

   

A Legacy of Excellence  

With a history spanning more than six decades, the NPRCs stand as pillars of scientific expertise and exemplars of public outreach. The U.S. Animal Research Openness initiative (USARO) recently featured information about the NPRCs’ outreach programs on the USARO website. This article provides encouragement for other research centers to follow the NPRC lead.   

   

A Future Filled with Accurate Information  

As the NPRCs continue to make scientific discoveries, their dedication to openness will continue to expand. The NPRCs believe openness helps empower individuals to make informed decisions, is critical to instilling confidence in scientific research and care of research animals, inspires future generations of scientists and ensures the public has accurate information about how research with animals is improving lives.  

  

  

 

 

April 1, 2024

Every day, the seven National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) conduct and enable collaborative research studies to improve human and animal health. For more than five years now, we’ve been sharing our latest news and scientific advancements with you via NPRC.org and @NPRCnews (X), and there’s more coming your way. 

To ensure the NPRCs provide the topics of most interest to our readers and followers, we looked back at your favorite stories to help us move forward. Your top interests span behavior and psychology, infectious disease and neuroscience and brain disorders research. We will continue to share news that represents what you have most enjoyed, and we will also bring you information that reflects the breadth and depth of research across the NPRC network.   

We appreciate our readers and followers, and encourage you to take another look at your favorite blogs about NPRC research, to share the information with your family, friends and colleagues, and to continue connecting with us via NPRC.org, @NPRCnews and, now, on the new NPRC LinkedIn account. Via these resources, you’ll always be able to access the latest news on NPRC research that is helping people across generations and around the world live longer, healthier lives.   

 

Behavior and Psychology 

  1. The Effects of Wildfire Smoke Exposure in Early Pregnancy 

A study by California NPRC and UC Davis researchers investigated the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on infant monkeys during early pregnancy. The study found that exposure led to increased inflammation, reduced stress response, memory deficits and a more passive temperament in the monkeys. The findings suggest environmental changes during pregnancy can have lasting effects on offspring.  

 

Infectious Disease 

2. A Deadly Relationship: Stopping the Progression of Tuberculosis in HIV Patients   

Researchers at the Southwest National Primate Research Center have discovered chronic immune activation in the lungs plays a crucial role in the progression of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection. This dysfunction hampers the body’s ability to fight off infections. The study suggests the need to develop treatments targeting chronic immune activation alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART). TB and HIV are global pandemics that reinforce each other, affecting a significant portion of the world’s population. The findings offer hope for improved treatment strategies in the next decade. 

3. New Possible Correlation Between Lyme Disease and Lewy Body Dementia  

At Tulane National Primate Research Center, researchers discovered intact spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, in the central nervous system of a 69-year-old woman who received multiple rounds of antibiotic treatment. The presence of this bacterium coupled with her persistent neurological decline raises the possibility of a correlation between Lyme disease and Lewy body dementia. This finding highlights the bacterium’s persistence despite targeted therapy and emphasizes the need for further research to comprehend its role in severe neurological conditions. 

4. Are DNA Vaccinations a Perennial Answer to the Flu?  

Researchers at the Washington National Primate Research Center are developing a universal flu vaccine that could protect against all strains of the influenza virus. Using a DNA vaccine administered through the skin, the team has achieved promising results in macaques, providing 100% protection against a previous flu virus. This approach could eliminate the need for annual flu shots and be quickly deployed during pandemics. The researchers believe this technology could also be effective against other viruses and outbreaks. 

 

Neuroscience & Brain Disorders 

5. Past Social Experiences May Affect Brain’s Response to Oxytocin

A study at the Emory (formerly Yerkes) National Primate Research Center and Emory University showed the response of neurons to oxytocin, a chemical involved in social bonding, can vary based on an individual’s past experiences. Using female prairie voles, the researchers examined the nucleus accumbens, a brain region related to pair bonding. They found that oxytocin reduced neuron firing before bonding and increased it afterward, when triggered. The study also revealed a connection between oxytocin signals and endocannabinoids, affecting defensive interactions. These findings provide insights into how prior experiences influence oxytocin’s impact on brain circuits. 

6. NPRC Study May Have Found Link That Causes Anxiety and Depression  

Researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered brain pathways in juvenile monkeys that could contribute to anxiety and depression later in life. By studying the connections between specific brain regions, they found a correlation between synchronization and anxious temperament. These findings may lead to better treatment approaches and help identify gene alterations associated with anxiety. 

7. The Drinking Gene: Could Alcoholism Be Inherited?  

Research conducted at Oregon National Primate Research Center has identified a gene, GPR39, as a potential target for developing medication to prevent and treat alcoholism. By modifying protein levels encoded by this gene in mice, the researchers observed a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. They also found a link between alcohol and the activity of this gene. The study draws attention to the importance of cross-species approaches to identify drugs for treating alcohol use disorder. Further investigations are under way to determine if the same mechanism applies to humans. These findings offer potential insights for developing drugs to address chronic alcoholism and mood disorders. 

February 22, 2023

The immune system has long been touted as the body’s primary defense against invading viruses, with the understanding that a strong immune response swiftly knocks out an infection while a weak one allows it to linger, leading to prolonged disease or even death.

Now, researchers at Tulane University are looking at an entirely different system—the body’s ability to use nutrients at a cellular level — to predict disease response and severity.

Tulane immunologist Clovis Palmer, PhD, studies metabolic changes resulting from viral infections. In a literature review published in Nature Metabolism, Palmer analyzed a body of evidence that looked at the metabolic changes that occur in cells when viral invaders, such as HIV, hepatitis B, or SARS-CoV-2, pose a threat.

Palmer concluded that the way in which cells, even non-immune cells, use nutrients in the presence of a viral pathogen can determine disease outcome and severity in the earliest stages of infection, or even long after the pathogen leaves the body.

Certain molecules on the surface of a cell determine how nutrients are used. These allow nutrients like glucose and fat to facilitate energy production or, if necessary, mount an offense against invading pathogens. Under these conditions, nutrients strengthen and bolster the cell. But viral pathogens can also hijack these surface molecules to gain entry into the cell and then use the nutrients to replicate.

“Whether nutrients are used to strengthen and defend the cell or are hijacked by the virus depends on conditions in the host like older age, nutritional status and obesity,” Palmer said. “We saw that these were all significant risk factors for the worst outcomes of COVID but didn’t really know what was driving it.”

Understanding how cells use nutrients in the presence of viral pathogens at the earliest states of infection is key to the development of treatments that can strengthen the cell, not the virus. While most antiviral medications take aim at the virus, Palmer seeks to prevent or lessen disease by keeping the nutrients on the cell’s side.

Palmer is working with Jay Rappaport, PhD, director of the Tulane National Primate Research Center and professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine, on rewiring metabolic response in nonhuman primate models of COVID and HIV to prevent and treat long-term symptoms.

“We know that when metabolism is impaired, there is increased susceptibility to infection,” said Rappaport. “Modulating the metabolic response has vast implications for all infectious diseases, from optimizing immunity to mitigating the effects of aging, autoimmunity, and other drivers of disease.”

September 6, 2022

According to the CDC, there are currently 83,949,036 cases of Covid-19 reported in the United States. We all know someone who has been through Covid-19. Headaches, runny nose, congestion, and losing the ability to taste food are common symptoms. But, until now, there have remained many questions surrounding how COVID-19 affects the central nervous system—especially in patients who haven’t experienced a lot of respiratory symptoms. 

 

While damage to the central nervous system is increasingly evident, the origin remains unclear. Understanding the effects will ultimately help discover and implement future treatments.

 

Recently, researchers at Tulane University evaluated the neuropathology damage associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a nonhuman primate. As it turns out, severe brain inflammation and injury consistent with reduced blood flow or oxygen to the brain, including neuron damage, death, and more, are consistent markers, especially with primates who had little to no respiratory issues. These findings are also compatible with ones reported on autopsied human brains who died from a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

 

Dr. Tracy Fischer, lead investigator and associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, states, “Because the subjects didn’t experience significant respiratory symptoms, no one expected them to have the severity of disease that we found in the brain. But the findings were distinct and profound, and undeniably a result of the infection.”

 

Note: The NPRCs will update this blog with our latest COVID-19 news.

Since beginning COVID-19 research in early 2020, NPRC researchers have made encouraging progress in efforts to better understand, diagnose, prevent and treat this novel disease. We’re committed to conducting and enabling research to end this global pandemic and to providing information so the public has ready access to our scientific results.

Our most recent COVID-19 news includes: 

Below is even more information about our extensive and collaborative COVID-19 research:

Diagnostics:

Prevention:

Treatments:

Additional NPRC COVID-19 News:

Bookmark this page so you can easily return here for the latest NPRC COVID-19 research information. We’ve also compiled a list of resources here and provided links to previous NPRC COVID-19 news and national media stories here.

July 20, 2021

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, which is spread by ticks. The most common sign of infection is a red rash that appears at the site of the tick bite. Other signals of Lyme include flu-like symptoms, joint pain and weakness in the limbs.

After a 69-year-old woman was diagnosed and repeatedly treated for Lyme disease for 15 years before her death, researchers at the Tulane National Primate Research Center who had previously discovered the persistence of B. burgorferi  despite antibiotic therapy found that the same bacterium was still intact upon autopsy. 

In addition to the typical symptoms of Lyme, she experienced continual neurological decline, including a severe movement disorder and personality changes. The woman eventually passed away after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia— a disease that presents itself with similar declined motor functions of Parkinson’s Disease with the added element of significant memory issues.  

The Tulane research team found that her central nervous system (CNS) still harbored intact spirochetes despite aggressive antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease at different times throughout her illness. The findings may lead to a correlation between Lyme disease and Lewy body dementia.

“These findings underscore how persistent these spirochetes can be in spite of multiple rounds of antibiotics targeting them,” said Monica Embers, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Tulane. “We will be interested in investigating the role that B. burgdorferi may play in severe neurological disease, as this is an area of research that has not yet been fully explored.”

To learn more about research being done by Tulane NPRC, please visit here.

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